PODCAST · business
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions
by Corey Krejcik & Rachel Brown
At Thirsty Bandit, we’re not your typical consultants—we’re brand wranglers and strategy shakers for the wine and hospitality world. We believe the best growth happens where sharp strategy, fearless adaptability, and authentic identity all meet for a toast. Our approach? Think less cookie-cutter, more custom blend. We dig into your strengths, uncover hidden opportunities, and craft bold brand strategies built to deliver real, measurable results. And because we love stirring the pot, we host Strategy Sessions—our weekly micro-podcast where we swap stories and insights with industry pros, tackling the challenges (and cheers-worthy wins) that make this business so endlessly exciting.
Episodes
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Cultural Endurance with Mike DaRe
In this episode, Corey and Rachel explore the enduring power of physical media, the importance of cultural endurance for brands, and how hospitality can serve as a vehicle for meaningful connections. Our guest, Mike DaRe, shares insights on brand relevance, the impact of technology, and the value...
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Travel & Hospitality with Irene Squizzato
In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel chat with Irene Squizzato, founder of Curiosity Roads, to explore how travel can be one of the most powerful ways to understand a region through its people, culture, food, wine, and traditions. They discuss the art of bespoke travel, the...
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Making Room for the Non-Drinker
In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel dive into the growing importance of non-alcoholic (NA) options within the hospitality industry. With the rise of NA offerings, many establishments are rethinking their beverage programs to ensure inclusivity and enhance the overall experience...
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Why Not Drink Local? with Maryam Ahmed
We champion eating locally, but why don't we think about drinking locally in the same way? In this episode of Strategy Sessions, we sit down with Maryam Ahmed, founder of Maryam + Company, to explore the ideas behind her Bon Appétit op-ed article, “We Champion Eating Locally. Why Not Drinking...
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Why the Judgement of Paris Still Matters
In this episode,Corey and Rachel celebrate 30 episodes of their podcast, delve into the history and relevance of the Judgment of Paris, and explore the evolving landscape of the wine industry, emphasizing regional diversity, climate impacts, and industry challenges. Key topics include: History…
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Tech in Hospitality with Geoffrey Toffetti
In this episode, Corey and Rachel interview Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group, about the evolving role of technology in hospitality. They explore how to balance high-tech solutions with human touch, scale operations effectively, and leverage AI for personalized guest and...
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What Guests Actually Remember
In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey Krejcik and Rachel Brown explore the art of creating memorable guest experiences in wine tasting and hospitality. They discuss the importance of storytelling, emotional design, pacing, and genuine enthusiasm to leave lasting impressions and foster...
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Embracing the Grey with Jamie Cooperstein
In the world of hospitality, service standards and procedures are essential for maintaining brand integrity and ensuring consistency. But what happens when you find yourself in a situation that requires flexibility? How do you know when to adhere strictly to the rules and when to bend them for…
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Collaboration with Sydney Welch
Collaboration is often misunderstood in creative industries. It is not merely about working together; it is about creating mutual benefits and shared investment. In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Sydney Welch, co-founder of The Maker's Table, to discuss the power of true collaboration…
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Morality in Leadership with Kimberly McGlonn
In this episode, Corey and Rachel chat with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn to discuss the intersection of ethical leadership, purpose-driven business, and social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of morality, emotional literacy, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation explores how...
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Daily Rituals with David Dressler
Corey and Rachel chat with executive coach and leadership advisor David Dressler about the power of daily rituals and how small, intentional practices can create clarity, structure, and momentum in both life and work. Drawing from his experience co-founding Tender Greens and coaching...
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The Cultural Impact of Wine with Rod Phillips
Corey and Rachel chat with author, professor, wine writer, and historian Rod Phillips on the cultural impact of wine and how it evolved into a social staple over the centuries, influencing gatherings and community. Key takeaways from the podcast include: Fom ancient rituals to modern gatherings,...
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Emotional Design with Teresa Alaniz
Corey and Rachel explore the role of emotional design in creating memorable hospitality experiences with Dr. Teresa Alaniz, focusing on how emotions influence customer choices and brand loyalty. Topics covered include: The role of emotions in product and service design Strategies to expand...
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Hospitality & Human Connection
In this episode of Strategy Sessions, Corey and Rachel discuss the importance of human connection in the wine and hospitality industry. They explore how recent trends, including Mark Cuban's investment in experiential events, highlight a shift towards face-to-face engagement. The conversation...
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Customer Engagement
Corey and Rachel reflect on their journey through 20 episodes, discussing the importance of customer engagement strategies in the wine and hospitality industries. They explore various aspects such as showcasing authenticity through social media, the role of user-generated content, the impact of...
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Holiday Gift Guide
Corey and Rachel unwrap their very own holiday gift guide—curated from this season’s standout guests and packed with ideas for every food, wine, and entertaining enthusiast. From one-of-a-kind experiences to playful apparel, must-read books, and clever wine gadgets, this festive episode is...
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Merchandising with Stephen Thompson
Corey and Rachel engage in a lively discussion with Stephen Thompson, founder of Weld Manufacturing. They explore the importance of quality merchandise in the hospitality industry, the evolution of Weld, and how to create non-gimmicky branded goods that enhance the guest experience. The...
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Creative Inspiration with Natalie Hope McDonald
Corey and Rachel chat with Natalie Hope McDonald and explore her multifaceted journey as an artist, discussing the various sources of her creative inspiration, the importance of rituals and environment in her creative process, and her upcoming projects. The conversation emphasizes the…
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Efficiency vs. Experience with Joseph Quintela
Corey and Rachel engage with Joseph Quintela, the director of operations for SPB Hospitality, Amada and Village Whiskey by Chef Jose Garces. They discuss the nuances of hospitality, the balance between operational efficiency and guest experience, and the importance of team dynamics in the...
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Mobile & Seasonal Retail with Suzanne Hasz
Corey and Rachel chat with Suzanne Hasz, founder of Hudson Trailer Co., about the growth potential of mobile retail and seasonal pop-up experiences for wineries, exploring how evolving consumer behaviors are driving brands to meet audiences wherever they are. She highlights why design and…
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Buy Local!
Corey and Rachel discuss the significance of buying local, particularly in the context of the wine and hospitality industries. They explore the benefits of farmers markets, the importance of connecting with local producers, and the economic impact of supporting local suppliers. The conversation...
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AI & Hospitality with Dustin Engel
Rachel and Corey discuss the intersection of AI and the wine and hospitality industries, particularly focusing on how AI can enhance guest experiences while maintaining the human touch. Dustin Engel, founder and principal consultant at Elegant Disruption, shares insights on the importance of...
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Challenging Status Quo with Laura Batten
Corey and Rachel chat with Canadian sommelier and owner of CRUSHABLE Wine Club, Laura Batten, to discuss the complexities and challenges facing the wine industry. They explore themes of authenticity, communication, and the need to challenge the status quo. The discussion highlights the importance...
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Authenticity with Ed Feuchuk
Corey and Rachel chat with Ed Feuchuk, General Manager of Tank Garage Winery, to dive into what makes Tank one of the most unconventional and exciting players in the wine world. From their entire portfolio of one-off bottlings that constantly push creative boundaries, to the community they’ve…
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Experiential Marketing | Adult Trick-or-Treat
Corey and Rachel discuss the success of Chaddsford Winery's "Adult Trick-or-Treat" program, which has become a masterclass in experiential marketing. They explore how the program effectively combines novel food and wine pairings, unique seasonality, and educational elements to create memorable...
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Storytelling with Eastfolk Creative
Corey and Rachel chat with Carly Jones and Jesse Eldredge of Eastfolk Creative Co., a video and photo production studio that focuses on authentic, documentary-style content that helps small business owners tell their stories effectively. The group dives into the nuances of each format, discusses...
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Public Relations with Kylie Flett
Corey and Rachel interview food and beverage PR vet Kylie Flett about starting her own agency, Banter PR, and how wine and hospitality brands can leverage public relations to achieve sales growth. Kylie advises businesses to focus their efforts on areas where they can win rather than spreading...
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Training & Development
Rachel and Corey discuss the importance of staff training and development in winery tasting rooms, emphasizing the need to hire people with the right intangible qualities rather than solely focusing on wine experience. They cover what wine knowledge is essential for new hires and highlight the...
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Sustainability with Shawn Hogan
Corey and Rachel chat with Shawn Hogan, Sustainability Consultant at Re:Vision. This podcast unpacks a lot of information for wine and hospitality businesses looking to embrace more sustainable practices - specifically within tasting room and production facilities. Additional topics include B…
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Vibe & Aesthetic
Corey and Rachel discuss the importance of vibe and aesthetic in order to attract, retain, and build consumer loyalty. The conversation dives into how vibe extends beyond the confines of a physical tasting room and should permeate every element of a brand - creating a cohesive customer impression...
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Wine Education with Noelle Allen
Rachel and Corey speak with Noelle Allen, DipWSET, about the importance of emphasizing wine education for both tasting room staff and customers. Noelle is co-owner of PhillyWine, a wine education company that provides WSET Certification in wine, spirits, and sake, as well as independent,...
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User Experience with Mike Madaio
Corey and Rachel talk with Mike Madio, user experience (UX) expert, author, and local wine historian. The group discusses the importance of UX in both physical tasting rooms and digital platforms, especially for mobile. For more information on Mike's UX services visit:...
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Brand Identity with Steve Klein
Corey and Rachel talk with Steve Klein, owner of Dakota Diesel (dakota-diesel.com), a full-service design and advertising firm, about the importance of brand identity.
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Meet the Team
Meet founder Corey Krejcik and consultant Rachel Brown as they introduce you to the vision behind Thirsty Bandit. Served-up in a quick 5-minute format, ‘Strategy Sessions’ will be a recurring micro-podcast that interviews collaborators and experts as we tackle common challenges found in the wine...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
At Thirsty Bandit, we’re not your typical consultants—we’re brand wranglers and strategy shakers for the wine and hospitality world. We believe the best growth happens where sharp strategy, fearless adaptability, and authentic identity all meet for a toast. Our approach? Think less cookie-cutter, more custom blend. We dig into your strengths, uncover hidden opportunities, and craft bold brand strategies built to deliver real, measurable results. And because we love stirring the pot, we host Strategy Sessions—our weekly micro-podcast where we swap stories and insights with industry pros, tackling the challenges (and cheers-worthy wins) that make this business so endlessly exciting.
HOSTED BY
Corey Krejcik & Rachel Brown
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions have?
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions about?
At Thirsty Bandit, we’re not your typical consultants—we’re brand wranglers and strategy shakers for the wine and hospitality world. We believe the best growth happens where sharp strategy, fearless adaptability, and authentic identity all meet for a toast. Our approach? Think less cookie-cutter,...
How often does Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions release new episodes?
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions?
You can listen to Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions?
Thirsty Bandit - Strategy Sessions is created and hosted by Corey Krejcik & Rachel Brown.
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